The Big Day....

Saturday November 22, 2008 is important for (2) reasons. The classic rivalry in football between Ohio State and Michigan and Grandmaster Fairbanks' Birthday Celebration. Fortunately my wife and I get to be involved with Grandmaster Fairbanks's birthday celebration seminar being held at the Ahn Taekwondo School located in Blue Ash and once we are done there heading home to watch the OSU vs Michigan which I will have TiVo'd.....thank goodness for technology. ;-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMASTER "SOKE" W. Fairbanks!!

Who's tougher than Chuck Norris?

Click the title (which is hyperlinked) to find out who is tougher than Chuck Norris....

Grandmaster Ahn appointed to Kukkiwon International Advisory Committee

I received an email from the main school that Grandmaster Ahn received a prestigious appointment by the Kukkiwon. You can read the letter below:

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I have attached a copy of a certificate that Grandmaster Ahn received from Kukkiwon. The certificate shows that Grandmaster Ahn has been appointed to a newly created International Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Committee is to respond to inquiries concerning Taekwondo and its development in specific countries. Kukkiwon is concerned about the art - and wants to respond to trends that are manifesting themselves on a country or regional basis. One ONE individual per country has been appointed by Kukkiwon. The choice for the United States is Grandmaster Ahn - who will serve for a two year term. Please offer congratulations to Grandmaster Ahn when you speak to him. And be sure to alert your Black Belts and Instructors as to the significance of the appointment.



From Wikipedia:
Kukkiwon, also known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters, is an organization in the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul, South Korea. It was established on 1972-11-30. The Kukkiwon serves as the issuing body for taekwondo dan rank (black belt degree) promotion and certification. In addition, the Kukkiwon conducts research and instructional seminars and is home to the World Taekwondo Academy, which trains and certifies Taekwondo instructors through its leadership course. It is also involved in technical development and research of taekwondo, the collection of related materials, public relations and publications, and the training of coaches and students.

The Kukkiwon is the only taekwondo organization whose dan ranks are recognized by World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).[2] The WTF governs the competition aspects of Taekwondo as the International Federation of Taekwondo of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

OSU vs Michigan

November 22, 2008 - A Day to Remember....

Game day, November 22 marks the annual rivalry match between THE Ohio State University and The Michigan Wolverines. Coach Tressel has a 6-1 record against Blue, which will soon be 7-1. Mourn this day for Master Mac, he'll be wearing an OSU sweatshirt again if he bets on the game like he always does. ;-)

In all fairness though GOOD LUCK to all involved in the game! 

GO BUCKS!!!

Doing nothing and getting more flexible at the same time...

Okay, so maybe you're not exactly doing nothing but you will be getting more flexible. I'm always being asked what can be done to help improve the flexibility of the inner thigh muscles for kicking.

Think of a rusty hinge. If you attempt to beat open a rusty hinge you're liable to break it in the process. However, if you lubricate the hinge and heat it up the hinge becomes even more malleable and more easily opened.

So grab some wall space, an iPod and some time...spend some time relax and stretching.




Inner thigh stretch Video




Just one part of your training should be focused on flexibility. Don't confuse mobility with flexibility. They are separate entities to the big picture of things. Strength and flexibility go together so don't neglect your training.

Check out Pavel Tsatsouline or Thomas Kurz for more information about flexibility training. For some free information try the FAQ written by Brad Appleton. It's somewhat dated but still contains a lot of good information.

Kukkiwon Poomsae Seminar

Dear Grandmasters, Masters and Instructors,

The Kukkiwon, which as you know is the World Taekwondo Headquarters, would like to extend an invitation for you and your instructors to attend the Kukkiwon Poomsae Seminar that will be held in Dallas, TX from December 6-7, 2008.

The goal of the seminar is to globally standardize the official Kukkiwon Poomsae, which will help your school offer more value for your students, as well as give them the opportunity to participate in future World Taekwondo Hanmadangs.

The seminar will be lead by the World Taekwondo Academy Kukkiwon, who has vast amounts of knowledge and experience.

I hope everyone can take advantage of this opportunity and I look forward to meeting everyone in Dallas.

For more information please go to this site: http://www.TAEKWONDOSEMINAR.com

You can make your hotel registration directly from the site listed above. The seminar will be held at the same hotel where you will be staying.

There are several Ahn Taekwondo instructors including Grandmaster Ahn himself attending this seminar.

Birthday Paaaarrrrrrttttaaaaayyyyyyyy...............

ANNOUNCING:
2008 Birthday Seminar
Saturday, November 22nd

Grandmaster W. Fairbanks is pleased to announce his annual "Birthday Seminar" to be held Saturday, November 22, 2008. The event will be held at Ahn Taekwondo Institute in Cincinnati, OH.

the seminar will cover four topics:

1. Tai Chi Forms
2. Tai Chi Drills & Applications -- two main sets, etc.
3. Self-Defense -- open hand and short range weapon defense
4. Sanchin Kata

There is plenty of room at the facility -- nearly 7000 square feet of floor space. we will also have access to plenty of equipment to run an excellent seminar. There are locker rooms for participants -- and there will be an option available to order a box lunch if desired.

Presented by: Woodrow Fairbanks, Soke (10th Dan)

Place: Ahn Taekwondo Institute, 11100 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 [MAP]

Time: 10:00 a.m. -- 3:30 p.m.

Email Ahn Taekwondo, ahntkd@earthlink.net, for a registration form or call (513-791-8888) to have one mailed to you.

Remember, remember, the fifth of November....

Remember, remember the fifth of November
The gunpowder treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

After the BIG Presidential vote yesterday, it seems befitting that today you watch "V for Vendetta". An excellent movie that should be watched numerous times to catch the subtleties of everything that happens.